MICK Halford says he is unsure what the next chapter of his racing life will bring but is appreciative for the goodwill he has received since announcing he will retire from the training ranks ahead of the 2025 flat season.

The Group 1-winning handler revealed this week he would bring an end to his 41 years with a licence, having worked as part of a joint-operation with Tracey Collins since 2023. He saddled over 1,200 winners, including for world-leading owners such as the Aga Khan and Sheikh Mohammed/Godolphin.

The 62-year-old’s breakthrough top-level victory on the flat came through Casamento in the 2010 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, while he also tasted success at Royal Ascot when Portage struck in the 2016 Royal Hunt Cup.

His international forays to Dubai were often lucrative, such as when capturing the 2014 Dubai Gold Cup with Certerach. He also registered a Grade 1 victory over jumps with 66/1 shot Golden Cross in the 2003 December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown.

“I’ve been inundated with messages and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing since the news came out this week,” Halford told The Irish Field.

“There’s been so much great goodwill out there. To be honest, as I said to one of my pals yesterday, it’s a bit like being at your own funeral but hopefully I won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. In what format, I haven’t worked out yet but we’ll see what comes.”

The former amateur rider, who rode his own first winner as a trainer, Kath-Der-Mar, in a Wexford bumper in July 1984, added: “Over the last 40 years I’ve been lucky enough to train for some of the world’s leading owners and there have been many highlights along the way. I leave the training ranks with no regrets. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

Bowing out

“Unfortunately our numbers aren’t what they once were and I’m not getting any younger so, before the 2025 season gets underway, it felt like the right time to bow out and give my excellent staff and loyal owners a chance to move elsewhere before the season gets underway.

“To everyone who has supported us since the early 1980s I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. It’s been a great journey and I wouldn’t have swapped it for anything. We have a great industry in Ireland and one that we can be very proud of and I hope that I can play some part in this wonderful industry over the coming years.”

One of Halford’s greatest supporters was the Aga Khan, whose death earlier this week sparked tributes from far and wide, but especially within the Irish racing and breeding industries.

“It was an honour and a privilege to train for His Highness,” Halford said. “He’s been a huge part of my career during the past 20 years and I was so proud to be associated with those world-recognised colours.

“It was great to be a part of that journey. He had an impact in so many areas but his contribution to racing is unmatched. It’s certainly the end of an era.”

Group 1-winning trainer Ado McGuinness succeeded Halford as Irish Racehorse Trainers Association chairman in November 2022 and paid tribute to the leading trainer’s achievements over the last four decades.

“I was shocked to hear the news,” said McGuinness. “He’s a massive loss to the whole industry. Fingers crossed he’ll stay in racing, but he’s a huge loss for the training game. A nice, easy-going fella who would always have time for you at the races. I’m very sad to see this happen.”

Halford is not the only long-standing horseman to depart the training ranks in recent weeks, with Pat Martin also bowing out last week after four decades with a licence.

“The landscape definitely isn’t easy for anyone at the moment,” added McGuinness.

“It’s very tough going in this country. I really hope that Mick remains in the industry in some shape.”